The incident happened as Spain celebrated their World cup win over England in 2023
Former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales has been found guilty of kissing player Jenni Hermoso without consent after the Women’s World Cup final in 2023.
Spain’s High Court has also ordered Rubiales to pay a fine worth more than €10,000 (£8,274) but has acquitted Rubiales of coercion.
Hermoso, who was a big part of Spain’s World Cup winning squad, previously told the court she ‘never’ agreed to the former Spanish football chief kissing her on the lips – and the moment ‘tainted one of the happiest days’ of her life.
The 47-year-old was accused of sexual assault and attempting to coerce Hermoso into declaring the kiss has been consensual.
He denied all charges, claiming the kiss was consensual and happened in a ‘moment of jubilation’.
The incident was witnessed by millions of television viewers and an entire stadium after the Spanish women’s team won the 2023 World Cup.
The uproar that followed gave momentum to a “Me Too”-style movement in the Spanish women’s game, in which players sought to combat sexism and achieve parity with their male peers.
Rubiales resigned in September 2023 following weeks of resisting pressure to stand down, and after Fifa suspended him and Spanish prosecutors opened an investigation.
More to follow.
